Thursday, April 6, 2017

Packing for an Ultra Ragnar Relay {#TeamSparkle #Ragnar4Rett}

I did a similar post in 2015 and 2016, but one can never be too prepared! Honestly, I think these are more for me (and making sure I have everything I need) so I can double check my packing process, but I figured maybe some of you may find it helpful too (or possibly notice something I'm forgetting and remind me before it's too late).

As you know, I'll be joining #TeamSparkle and tackling the SoCal Ragnar Relay later this week. Our start time is slated for 10am on Friday morning and we are expected to finish around 2pm on Saturday afternoon. Not only do we want to ROCK THE RACE, we're also hoping to raise money and awareness for Rett Syndrome. [If you are interested, head to GP2C to learn more about this debilitating neurological disorder and make a tax-deductible donation HERE.]

In case you haven't noticed, we will be running this event as an Ultra team - which means instead of the "normal" two vans and 12 runners, we will have one van and only six runners. This means I have to pack twice the amount of gear because each of us will be running six legs of the relay instead of the standard three. If you're running as part of a normal team, feel free to cut the clothing items in half.

Here is my #FlatCarlee for the race. This gives you an idea of what we will be wearing for each of our legs. Obviously I will be changing the under garments (sports bra, bottoms, socks, etc) but you can see what our "uniform" is for the most part {FYI: If your team does not have a uniform, you will need to pack and account for a new race outfit for each leg}.

As I mentioned, it is GREAT to have fresh under garments for each leg (especially when you are running in the middle of the day and turn into Sweaty McSweaterson). I make sure to pack at least one sports bra per run, one pair of bottoms per run (I threw in a pair of capris in case the night legs are chilly and I would prefer those instead of the spandex-y type shorts) and one pair of socks per run (to be honest, I normally end up wearing the same pair of PRO Compression Marathon socks the entire time, but it's better to be safe than sorry).

Our #TeamSparkle tank dries fast and I wore it on all of my legs last year, but in case it doesn't (because, let's be real, no one wants to put on a cold, wet tank for a night run) I have a couple extra black tops that go with our ensemble.

Although we're running in SoCal, the weather man is currently calling for some showers and the evenings can get brisk (especially if the marine layer rolls in). I threw in some "cold/ rain weather" gear to be prepared (it's also great to have while you are waiting for your runner to come in so you don't get too chilly). I know, you're probably chuckling at my mittens and I probably won't bring them out of my bag, but I'd prefer to be over-prepared than under!

A #TeamSparkle sweatsuit for the chillier hours, a reflective rain jacket/ wind breaker for running, some sleeves to rock with my tank,
my #TeamSparkle trucker hat, a pair of throw away mittens and a beanie just in case we end up running through the tundra...

And, in case you are unaware, Ragnar runs on open streets - meaning the course isn't closed to traffic (let's be real, they wouldn't be able to get runners to sign up if they had to pay to have 200ish miles of roads closed because the cost would be astronomical). With that said, safety is of UTMOST IMPORTANCE! If you're outside of the van between dusk and dawn you are required to wear a reflective vest, headlight and back light. (I got myself a vest and blinking back light a couple years ago because I do early morning runs and they're great to have. The headlamp is one I use for camping.)

Of course my cowbells are in with my safety gear... I mean, you need to HEAR me, as well as SEE me, right?!

I threw in a few non-running tops. Seeing as we don't have much down time as an ultra team, I don't really change out of my running tanks very often, but one can never be too prepared (especially if we're grabbing dinner after the race).

Some of my MUST BRING non-running tops!

The first year I ran in the same pair of shoes for each leg. This year I am bringing a couple different pairs to rotate through. Obviously they're all outfitted with Shwings - DUH! And we can't forget recovery sandals for between runs.

And you can't forget to pack your chargers! Although the only electronics I will have are my watch and phone, I've gotta make sure cords and external batteries are packed - otherwise how will I keep you up-to-date on #Ragnar4Rett?!

As far as fuel, I'm bringing PROBAR BOLT Chews (though I'm not sure how many I'll need since my legs average about 5.2 miles per run), some Clif Bars, and purple Gatorade (yes, I know there is a flavor, but I always refer to the electrolyte drinks based on color for some reason). I also threw in some honey wheat pretzels for the salt, some almonds for the protein and some trail mix/ dried fruit for the sweet. The ladies are also bringing treats and we stop for a couple meals.

My last set of goodies includes most of my hygiene accouterments - deodorant, Aquaphor (which I use for anti-chaffing), lip balm, sunscreen, tissues, baby wipes (both for "showers" and for the port-o-potties when they start running out of TP), icy hot for sore muscles, band aids, a travel towel (both for sitting on when I'm sweaty and to use for changing in the van), Tylenol (I am allergic to ibuprofen so I prefer to pack my own pain reliever) and KT Tape.

At times I feel like I'm over packing (because I could probably get away with wearing a lot of the stuff over and over - but I wouldn't want to do 'that' to my van mates) and yet other times I worry I won't have enough (but I am 99% sure that is just the pre-race jitters). Thankfully all my gear (which I pack in individual Ziploc bags to not only help with organization but also to contain the stink when I swap clothes) fits easy peasy in one of my backpacks and I am all ready to go!

I will be heading up to Orange Thursday afternoon so I can meet up with the ladies and get the van ready (it takes 6-10 people a good three or so hours to decorate it) and start this crazy adventure! Obviously I'll be writing a few recap posts once Ragnar is over, but in the meantime make sure to follow along on social media so you can join in on all the fun!